Secrets Beneath The Surface

In Pinching Beauty, Charlotte Dakota, once a socialite with a tragic past, finds herself forced into a mysterious and dangerous marriage with Conley Crack, the aloof and powerful heir of the Conley family. Hiding her true identity behind a facade of mental instability and muteness, Charlotte is playing a delicate game-one that could cost her freedom or worse, her life. On her wedding night, she saves Conley from a sudden collapse using secret medical knowledge, only to draw the suspicious attention of the Conley household's cold-hearted housekeeper, Mrs. Margret. Tasked with keeping her husband alive, Charlotte is under constant scrutiny, while also attempting to protect herself from being exposed as a fake bride, substituted in place of the true Dakota heiress, Dakota Charles. But Conley Crack isn't as weak as he seems. Behind his frail appearance lies a calculating man with a sharp eye-and when he wakes up the next morning to find a strange woman in his bed, he knows he's been deceived. Instead of exploding, Conley orders an investigation into Charlotte's identity, only to discover a twisted tale of mental hospitals, family betrayal, and hidden truths. Charlotte, meanwhile, begins to unravel the dark secrets of both the Dakota and Conley families, all while trying to prove that she is more than a pawn in their power games. Through feigned tears, dramatic tantrums, and childish antics, she buys herself time-time she desperately needs to reclaim control over her life and protect the only person who might still believe in her: herself. As sparks fly between the sharp-tongued Charlotte and the cold, unreadable Conley, their forced marriage becomes a battlefield of secrets, manipulation, and slowly growing trust. But with enemies within both families and a buried truth that could destroy everything, Charlotte must decide: will she continue to play the fool, or will she rise to become the most dangerous woman in the room? "Pinching Beauty" is a thrilling blend of romance, suspense, and wit-where nothing is what it seems, and the most broken soul may be the only one strong enough to survive.

"...For once, you did something right," she muttered. But her legs buckled beneath her before she could say another word. The world spun. Her vision blurred. Ivy's body collapsed forward-but before she hit the pavement, a strong pair of arms caught her. "Call for medical assistance," the man said, his voice crisp and commanding. "No," Ivy whispered, clutching the front of his suit. "No hospitals... Not safe. Not for me." His brow furrowed. He glanced down, meeting her eyes-then stilled. Her pupils shimmered with a silvery glow, like twin moons reflected in a still pond. Not normal. Not human. "Take her to the car," he ordered, surprising even his guards. "Now." The bodyguard hesitated. "Sir, are you sure-?" "I said now." With practiced efficiency, Ivy was carried into the Maybach. The moment the doors shut behind them, the atmosphere inside the vehicle shifted-thick, tense, heavy with unseen currents. Ivy slumped against the cool leather seat, forcing her eyes to focus. "Name... What's your name?" He raised an eyebrow. "Shaw. Elias Shaw." She tilted her head, as if weighing the name against the pull of fate. "Figures

On a dark and windy night, I found myself kissed by a handsome stranger-not just once, but twice! Who does he think I am, someone he can just kiss whenever he feels like it? And now he's saying he should take responsibility, get engaged, even marry me? Absolutely not! I left home to escape an arranged marriage, and now this man suddenly thinks he can swoop in and propose? No way... But why does this school seem filled with handsome guys? There are the cold ones, the gentle ones, and those with a devilish charm-and they all seem to have their eyes on me.

Blurb: "A contract?" Jasmine's eyes squinted in amusement as she stared at the papers in front of her. Her arranged husband was being ridiculous and unreasonable, but since there were no feelings between them, she didn't object. Instead, she signed the papers without hesitation. While she struggled to cope with the loneliness in their house, Lucas was outside, enjoying himself with his mistresses. Jasmine endured the pain, at least for her grandfather's sake. He was bedridden, and giving him bad news about her marriage wasn't an option. But what happened when her grandfather died? Jasmine requested a divorce, shocking Lucas. He never saw it coming. But she didn't care. She was done being locked up like his scapegoat-she was ready to move on with her life. And when she finally left the house... what awaited her?

Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."

Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.

In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?

Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"

Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!

After a one-night stand with a stranger, Roselyn woke up to find only a bank card without a PIN number. Still in a daze, she was detained on charges of theft. Just as the handcuffs were about to close, the mysterious man reappeared, holding her pregnancy report. "You're pregnant with my child," he said coldly. Shocked, Roselyn was whisked away in a helicopter to the presidential palace, where she learned the truth: the man from that night was none other than the country's most powerful and influential leader!